We work with you across all social media channels for effective results

Who are we?

Multi-award Winning Glasgow PR Agency

Glasgow PR Agency

Glasgow PR agency Perceptive Communicators’ experienced specialists provide PR, marketing, public affairs, event management and social media support throughout Glasgow, Scotland and across the UK.

We can help you communicate more effectively, not for its own sake, but to achieve results which help you and your organisation. Our expert team members, who have all been clients themselves, deliver fantastic results to support your success.

With a laser-focus on delivering effective PR, social media training and integrated communications strategies for clients we work hard to ensure our core values always benefit our clients:

focussed on results

trusted experts

straightforward and reliable

great energy and team spirit which extends to our clients

Unlike other agencies, we don’t field the big guns to pitch and then pass it to a much more junior team. With Perceptive, the expert team you see at the start is the team you will work with.

With a precision focus on just a few areas, we have specialist knowledge and contacts at the highest levels in construction, technology, life sciences, professional services, economic development and travel. This means we hit the ground running, delivering results in a shorter timescale.

Established in 2006, our Glasgow PR agency is a multi-award winning full service communications consultancy focused on driving better results for clients through better communication. These activities could be with external or internal audiences, but the aim is always to improve results.

We pride ourselves on the strong and long standing relationships we have with our clients throughout the UK for whom we are trusted business partners and an extension of their internal teams. We enjoy very long standing relationships and the vast majority of new business results from referrals from our existing clients.

Our Award-Winning Approach.

As well as winning dozens of awards for our clients, including 23 awards for City Legacy Homes, Perceptive Communicators has also been recognised as the winner of the Best Use of Press and PR award at the UK Construction Marketing Awards for our work with City Legacy, winner of Growth Business of the Year at the 2015 East Dunbartonshire Business Awards and winner of Best Healthcare and Pharma Campaign for BioCity at the PR Moment Awards, so we know what we’re talking about when it comes to awards.

Our integrated approach and focus on delivering results has worked for City Legacy, continues to work for our clients and can work for you.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear directly from our clients about what it is like to work with us:

SUPERCHARGING YOUR TEAM

Having all been clients ourselves, we are uniquely placed to supercharge your team efforts. Our clients often tell us they consider us not as an external agency, but as an extension of their team. With our specialist knowledge and experienced staff we hit the ground running and are as committed as any employees to help you achieve your goals.

VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

All our team work at a senior level so you are gaining access to valuable experience at all times. We have all been clients ourselves so fully understand your needs.

POSITIVE RESULTS

We measure each and every campaign to learn the level of success and keep you ahead in the marketplace. We will only create work which we know has a purpose and add value to your objectives.

What we do

Our Services

Click each service to find out more

Public Relations

Public Affairs

We help identify and influence key stakeholders to help our clients achieve their business objectives.

Media Training

With hundreds of satisfied clients across the UK, we help you make the most of media opportunities and avoid media traps.

Social Media

We develop and implement successful fully integrated campaigns that will maximise your return on regular tweeting, posting and linking.

Crisis Plan & Protect

From industrial tribunals to accidents at work and cyber hacks, all organisations face crises that impact on their reputation and ultimately their very existence. Our Crisis Plan & Protect service ensures you are well prepared to protect your reputation in the event of a crisis.

Research

From employee engagement research to perceptions research that effectively steers future marketing and communications strategies to mystery shopping, clients tell us our research provides the foundation for future success.

Event Management

Perceptive’s experienced events team plan and support events from their concept until the very last person has left the room on the day. No matter your requirements, we have the expertise to make your event a success.

SEO Copywriting

We work across Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom to generate cost-effective SEO content which delivers results to help your business succeed.

Digital Audit

Our digital review can ensure your website is operating to its full potential.

Awards

We have a proven track record of success for writing dozens of winning award entries on behalf of clients in a variety of sectors, including turning technical information into award winning copy.

GB Group

Data Vita

House for An Art Lover

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity

“We were delighted to work with the team at Perceptive and right from the outset they added real value to our business. Their proactive and creative approach really helped us to increase our market profile during a very crucial time in Clyde Gateway’s lifetime when we needed a team we could rely on to deliver results and respond often at very short notice.

“They helped with all aspects of our communications including press and media coverage, advertising and event management. They did all this in a friendly and professional manner.”

-

Ed Monaghan, Managing Director of Mactaggart & Mickel and lead spokesperson for City Legacy Consortium:

“From the moment we appointed Perceptive to the role as PR consultants to City Legacy they responded with enthusiasm and vigour that is seldom seen in external consultants. They fudge the traditional role of client and consultant and as a client that is always good news.”

-

Dr Diane Harbison, Managing Director, BioCity Scotland:

“Perceptive’s achievements in both public relations and public affairs have been transformational to our business. Their expertise played a crucial role in helping BioCity to gain Enterprise Area status after only a few months of working together – and to say I was delighted with this achievement would be an understatement.”

“What Perceptive Communicators has achieved during this short time has been nothing short of miraculous. They really have worked wonders for BioCity Scotland.”

“We’ve worked with Perceptive for a number of years now. They have really helped us build our brand and our business in Scotland. There’s been a number of high profile opportunities both with the local press and the national press but I think overall it’s the approach they have taken with us that’s made it easy for us to define and achieve the objectives we want to achieve.”

-

Meet the Talent

Meet the Team

Perceptive was established in 2006 by Julie McLauchlan to deliver results. Based on our values of being focussed on results, trusted experts, straightforward and reliable, with a great team spirit and energy that extends to client teams, Perceptive has grown significantly. We now work with clients in Scotland and across the UK to deliver profile-building campaigns in a variety of sectors. Perceptive has gone from strength to strength in growing both the team and our client base. We are proud of the relationships we build with all our clients. They stick with us and often recommend our work, resulting in 98% of new business being generated through word of mouth recommendations – testament to the work we do, the results we deliver and how we become an extension of their own team.

Julie McLauchlan

Having earned my stripes on the client side with brands like IBM, PwC and RBS Group, I spotted a gap in the market for high quality communications advice from more experienced consultants who have all been clients themselves, leading to better business results. I’m pleased to say this formula works! Formed in 2006 just as the economic recession started to bite, we have grown Perceptive Communicators year on year.

I am very fortunate to work with amazing clients, leading a great expert team which provides specialist communications advice on marketing, PR, public affairs, event management and social media in our chosen niches of construction, technology, life sciences, professional services, economic development and travel. When I’m not at work, I can usually be found in the kitchen baking up a storm or at least a meringue or two with my children.Email me >

Lesley Ferguson

I joined Perceptive Communicators almost from the start, coming from the Royal Bank of Scotland. Right then, I knew the agency offered something pretty unique and it’s been really rewarding to see the team and our clients grow.

With over 20 years of experience in this industry I love the incredible pace of change and being able to deliver results that really make an impact to our clients’ business. Working across the construction, technology and professional services sectors, I advise clients on strategy development, reputation protection, media relations, marketing strategy and brand building. It’s great working with lots of creative minds that make work fun. Outside work I can usually be found running – sometimes for myself but mostly after my two kids.Email me >

Anna Chambers

I joined the Perceptive Communicators team in March 2015 after almost eight years in local government PR. Having studied architecture and previously worked at the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Prospect Magazine and a large architectural practice, Perceptive’s expertise in the construction industry was what first attracted me to the company.

I also liked the idea of being part of a small, experienced team and the flexible way of working is just the icing on the cake. Since joining I’ve worked with a variety of Perceptive’s clients across the construction, technology and life sciences sectors and gained some fantastic coverage for them. Any time and energy that’s not devoted to work is currently taken up by my two extremely lively and intrepid small children.Email me >

Candace Watermeyer

Before joining Perceptive I worked both in-house and in agencies across the public, private and charity sectors. I was attracted to the high calibre of the team, and find myself constantly inspired by the depth of knowledge and experience my colleagues offer.

Having worked in business development, project management, and now communications, I thrive on being able to take an integrated and ‘big picture’ approach to the work we do for clients.

Away from work I can often be found in or near a park, field, forest or loch, soaking up as much of nature as I can get. I also bake and regularly attempt DIY projects, most of which go hilariously wrong.Email me >

Clare Todd

I believe that every organisation – or individual – has a good story to tell and I’ve been helping companies such as ScotRail, Glenmorangie and Bank of Scotland tell their stories for over 25 years. I still love doing so.

My previous career spanned in-house communication roles as well as agency account director positions so I know how to form highly effective client/agency relationships that deliver great results.

Perceptive is different from other agencies, and that’s what attracted me to joining the team. Everyone rolls their sleeves up to get the job done, with bags of creativity and professionalism in evidence.

Devin Scobie

A former travel journalist (sounds far more glamorous than it really was), I have been part of the Perceptive Team since 2011 and head up our public affairs work across all clients.

I have worked with literally hundreds of organisations, from FTSE Top 100 companies like Arriva, Pfizer and Boots, right across to charities, large and small, and even an aspiring Ghanaian presidential candidate. As a former City of Edinburgh Councillor and parliamentary candidate, I have seen the value of public affairs work from the coal face. Much of my spare time is spent enjoying Scotland’s national dram – and actively avoiding any form of running.Email me >

Emma Fair

I’ve been part of the Perceptive team for almost four years. My career started out with KPMG where I qualified as a CA in 2001 and I quite quickly realised there was more to life than just accountancy. More recently I gained industry experience in a couple of finance and operations roles before landing at Perceptive.

Working at Perceptive gives me a hugely satisfying working life as I can be involved in anything from budgets and contracts to organising wine tasting for a client event (I won’t tell you which is more fun!). The variety of client keeps the job fresh and the team I work with keeps it enjoyable. Outside work I enjoy running in all weathers, the wetter the better is my motto but my free time is mostly spent with my two lovely kids.Email me >

Flora Martin

After acting as a mentor to managing director Julie for the last two years Flora Martin has formally joined the team as a non exec director. Appointed in May 2015 she brings over thirty years of industry experience to the consultancy.

I set up my own consultancy in 1989 grew it to become one of the most successful integrated PR and advertising agencies in Scotland under the Citigate Smarts brand. Since stepping down from day to day management I have used my experience to mentor and assist others. I’ve known Julie since she was at University and admire the unique business model she has adopted,building a strong business and growing it steadily year on year.

In addition to my role at Perceptive Communicators I am a board director and trustee at Citizens Advice Scotland and a co opted member of the Scotland committee of Action for Children. In my spare time I volunteer with Cancer Research UK and Glasgow School of Art.Email me >

Sinead Assenti

I started with Perceptive Communicators in 2011, having worked as a specialist researcher in Scotland for nearly 25 years. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of researching almost every aspect of life in Scotland including a good mix of business-to-business and business-to-consumer clients. I have equally strong experience of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, so if you’re not sure which is right for you just ask.

Since joining Perceptive I’ve worked with a wide range of clients on a variety of projects including client satisfaction, employee engagement, new product/service development and evaluation of communications and marketing activities. Working with Perceptive is a great opportunity to work with a diverse and interesting client base. When I’m not researching I’m a home bird, but more often these days am ferrying my kids to and from their social activities. Time for me is spent on my yoga mat…nothing nicer.Email me >

View our latest news

News

Latest from the Blog

The Blog

The ever-emotive topic of childcare is hitting the headlines again, after Audit Scotland expressed concerns about the Scottish Government’s pledge to almost double the hours of free childcare available to three and four year olds, and vulnerable two year olds, by 2020. As a working parent, at first glance it’s hard to see what’s not…

Two weeks ago Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg announced that its news feed content is changing in a way that will transform the rules of engagement for businesses on the social platform. Until now, many businesses have regarded Facebook as a must-have part of their communications mix, with some organisations choosing to put 100% of their…

As Christmas approaches and the annual list of shiny new toys sets fear into the hearts of parents around the country, I’m reminded of the communications industry’s own shiny and slightly scary new toy: social media. At Perceptive we guide and advise clients on social media strategy on a daily basis and at times it…

What did you want to be when you grew up? Vet? Train driver? Hairdresser? I wanted to be Mr Benn. But even at eight years old I realised that was probably going to sound a bit odd, so my reply was either doctor or ballerina, depending on who was asking and the mood I was…

By Clare Todd Most mornings, as I get ready for work, I listen to radio news to get a jump-start on the news of the day. Some items are of more interest than others but what always stops me in my tracks is a live interview going spectacularly wrong – at least as…

In this short guide we review the common pitfalls of drafting awards submissions, and how you can avoid them to give yourself the best chance of being shortlisted. It’s been a busy few weeks in the entertainment industry’s awards season, and with the Oscar winner’s due next week Monday, it’s easy to get swept away…

Our wonderful commercial director Emma Fair gives her (accountant’s) perspective on PR and whether or not it is valuable to the bottom line. ‘What exactly is PR?’ asked the finance person…. I am an accountant – not something I necessarily always want to shout about, but between you and I nothing pleases me more than a…

If sorting your company’s social media in 2017 is on your New Year’s Resolution List, you’re in luck. We’ve devised a cheat sheet for which platforms to pick according to your objectives and target audience. Read on for more . . . With today’s abundance of social media platforms, it can be easy to feel…

If your LinkedIn profile deserves a bit more of your attention this year, you’re not alone. We’ve trained over 1000 people in social media management and the number one request we get from individuals is for help with writing a great LinkedIn profile. Companies are also increasingly engaging our services to help them create a…

By Devin Scobie, Public Affairs Director Thirty years ago next summer I was a proud History graduate from Edinburgh University and I recall debating what was the most memorable year from times past. 1066? 1314? 1789? Well, as this year draws to a close, and, incidentally, family history is repeating itself as my younger son…

US Election Insight Special – all you need to know from the land of the free and home of the brave The eyes of the world are on the United States today as voters go to the polls to decide who will be the next American President and therefore the most powerful (wo)man in the…

by Anna Chambers, PR & Social Media Manager When I first started working at Perceptive, and told people that I often work from home, I got all sorts of reactions. They ranged from envy (“you’re so lucky!”) to disbelief (“how do you get anything done? I’d be too tempted to just put a washing on!”)…

This week we hosted our first Brexit Insight Breakfast hosted and facilitated by the experienced and award winning team at Perceptive Communicators. Devin Scobie, public affairs director of Perceptive Communicators and Stephen Boyle, chief economist of RBS Group shared their expert political and economic insights to a packed room, with some great nuggets of information…

What have I learned since Sexy Back? Summer 2006. The Summer of Justin Timberlake’s Sexy Back, Pink’s Who Knew and my personal favourite, I Don’t Feel Like Dancing (always a toe tapper). Italy won the World Cup and Roger Federer and Amélie Mauresmo won at Wimbledon, while Team Europe won The Ryder Cup. While these music…

Work is a thing you do, not a place you go. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Actually it’s an easy phrase to say but can be tricky to really make it work. Tricky, but not impossible… According to a report from The Work Foundation the UK is on the verge of a mobile working “tipping point”…

One of my earliest memories is sitting on my grandmother’s knee as she read her favourite tabloid newspaper, showing her disapproval for the image on page 3. “Damp disgrace”, she tutted. This episode was followed years later with a paper round at the age of ten and more recently a 25-year career in PR, so…

Perceptive Communicators has been named as a finalist in two categories at the prestigious UK-wide Construction Marketing Awards 2015. We are absolutely delighted to be a finalist in the PR Agency of the Year category, one that the judges have described as “particularly competitive” in a year where the awards received a record number of…

The release of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Annual Business Statistics for 2013 last week has been one of the key topics of discussion here at Perceptive Communicators. The two year gap between research being undertaken to the final report being published may throw people off their impact in September, 2015, but they remain an ideal…

Usually our award winning skills are perfectly pitched on behalf of our clients, but this time we clinched a win for the Perceptive team – the highly coveted ‘Growth Business of the Year’ at the 2015 East Dunbartonshire Business Awards. It’s certainly has been a time of growth for us at Perceptive. Building on strong…

This morning’s Halifax House Price Index, pointing to a rise of 2.2% from February to April and 8.5% compared to the same period last year, is great news for our construction clients. It not only evidences the continuing confidence within the industry, but reaffirms the growing confidence of home buyers. Working with clients such as…

Our MD Julie McLauchlan can usually be found in strategy meetings or delivering bespoke training to clients who want to enhance their media interview skills, but last week she stepped into the limelight and spoke to Project Scotland about the need for construction companies to ‘blow their own trumpet’ and embrace marketing as the way…

I’ve just finished my first month as the newest member of the Perceptive Communicators team. I’m very happy to be embarking on a new adventure after almost eight years in local government PR. I am absolutely loving my new job. Having studied architecture and previously worked at the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS),…

Mactaggart & Mickel’s recent Outstanding Achievement Award and our nomination in two Construction Marketing Award categories for the PR Agency of the Year and Best Use of Public Relations for the City Legacy project have got me thinking about awards over the last few days. We’ve all been there. Those hours spent before the evening dresses and black bow…

It’s been a whirlwind six years providing integrated communications and marketing support to the team who built and delivered the award winning Athletes’ Village – the City Legacy consortium. There have been a number of fantastic events, and marketing milestones achieved along the way, but seeing the first residents of the fantastic riverside community move…

Perceptive Communicators has been working in partnership with City Legacy, developers of the Athletes’ Village for the Commonwealth Games for several years and we’re delighted that they have now picked up their 20th award for this unique development! The new addition to their ever expanding trophy cabinet comes as City Legacy picked up a bronze…

Perceptive Communicators has been working in partnership with City Legacy, developers of the Athletes’ Village for the Commonwealth Games for several years and we’re delighted that they have now picked up their 20th award for this unique development! The new addition to their ever expanding trophy cabinet comes as City Legacy picked up a bronze…

Speaking to the Herald, Perceptive’s MD, Julie Moulsdale, explains how she broke the mould when setting the company up back in 2006, by deciding not to have a central office location. All employees work remotely, keeping in touch virtually. This approach, explains Julie, has resulted in happier, more motivated and healthier employees. The approach works…

Perceptive Communicators has been shortlisted in the best consumer relations category of this year’s CIPR PRide Awards for their work ‘Athletes’ Village – Countdown to Launch’ campaign. The winners will be announce in Edinburgh on 9 October. The news that the company had been shortlisted follows a haul of construction related awards for the developers…

20th September 2014

We would be delighted to hear from you. Drop us an email or give us a call: